Commencement Registration
November 2025, February 2026, and May 2026 degree candidates are eligible to participate in the May 2026 Commencement activities. If you wish to participate in Commencement activities and are not a graduate of one of these degree periods, you must contact the Harvard Griffin GSAS Office of Student Success as soon as possible to determine your eligibility.
Graduating students are required to register and order tickets for Commencement activities in advance. This is a separate and additional step after applying for your degree in my.harvard. Registration opens in April 2026. Please read the information below on how to retrieve your tickets.
Are you a continuing master's student? You are eligible to participate in the Dean's Reception, the University-wide Morning Exercises in the Yard, and the Champagne Reception and Luncheon. You will be invited to attend the Diploma Awarding Ceremony and walk across the stage in Sanders Theatre at a later time upon the completion of your PhD program.
Are you an AB/AM and AB/SM degree candidate? You will participate with Harvard College and your undergraduate house in receipt of the AB degree, which is conferred last during the Commencement Morning Exercises. AB/AM and AB/SM candidates are not eligible to attend Harvard Griffin GSAS Commencement activities or receive guest tickets through Harvard Griffin GSAS.
Ticket Allocations
Ticket allocations are outlined below for each event. Please read carefully.
Please note: All registered graduating students will receive a Commencement 2026 lanyard at ticket pickup. This lanyard and your regalia will serve as your "ticket" to enter the Yard and attend the Morning Exercises. You will not have a physical ticket for that event.
| Event | Ticket Allocation |
|---|---|
| Dean’s Reception | student + two guests maximum |
| University-wide Morning Exercises in Tercentenary Theatre | student + two guests maximum |
Diploma Awarding Ceremonies in Sanders Theatre PhD and terminal master's candidates only | student + two guests maximum |
| Champagne Reception and Luncheon | one complimentary ticket for student; $20 for each guest ticket |
Ticket Pickup
Students must pick up their tickets in person, with Harvard ID or photo identification, during the week of Commencement. Tickets cannot be mailed or picked up by anyone other than the degree candidate. No exceptions.
Tentative Ticket Pickup Schedule
Thursday, May 21, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Longwood Campus, Boston, MA (Location TBD)
Friday, May 22, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Graduate Student Lounge, Student Center at Harvard Griffin GSAS (Lehman Hall), Harvard Yard
Tuesday, May 26, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., Graduate Student Lounge, Student Center at Harvard Griffin GSAS (Lehman Hall), Harvard Yard
Wednesday, May 27, 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., Graduate Student Lounge, Student Center at Harvard Griffin GSAS (Lehman Hall), Harvard Yard
Thursday, May 28, 6:45 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Harvard Griffin GSAS Information Tent, Maxwell Dworkin, 33 Oxford Street
